The Day After Breakdown: Supercoppa Italiana

Torino, January 21st, 2021 – First piece of hardware this season. Following Sunday’s disappointment against Inter, last night’s convincing win against Napoli for the Supercoppa Italiana could not have been a better response from Juventus. In addition to winning a trophy, this fantastic team effort provides a massive boost in morale for the squad, with many decisive matches still to come. I don’t think this matchup could have come at a better time in Juventus’ season. While it seems Juve have learned their lesson following the Inter match, it was evident that Pirlo had done some reflection of his own. While the loss on the weekend can partially be blamed on naive player choices and poor tactical preparation, Pirlo ensured that he wouldn’t make the same mistakes against Napoli.

Mister Pirlo’s first trophy

Not many coaches have the opportunity to begin their managerial career with a team such as Juventus, but thus far, Pirlo has taken his appointment as head coach in stride. Although the team’s performances haven’t been all too convincing, this season Pirlo has managed to remain afloat in the most competitive title race the Serie A has seen in years, has helped the Bianconeri through to the next stage of both the Champions league and Coppa Italia, and as of last night, secured Juve’s first trophy of the season. Not too shabby for only a half a season in charge.

While he is still getting used to the role, there is no doubt in my mind that Pirlo will continuously improve with experience during his time as a head coach. Throughout his playing career, Andrea Pirlo has proved time over and again that he has a very high level of football knowledge. The difference now, however, is the fact that he cannot dictate the play of his team while on the pitch – he may only provide direction from the sidelines.

Following the match, Mister Pirlo spoke about this difference: “It's a great joy – lifting your first trophy as a coach is something different, even more than as a player, because you are in charge of such an important team, of a historic club – so it feels even better.”

Say it with me: Szczęsny is world class

Our Polish unsung hero. Against Napoli, Wojciech Szczęsny made a statement – one suggesting that he should be included in the conversation of Europe’s top keepers. If Tek wasn’t playing today, I strongly believe that the match could have easily gone into extra time. What seemed like two sure goals for Napoli, Szczęsny responded by pulling two saves out of the top drawer to single handedly save Juventus’ game. My man of the match.